The first show of the Chenango Blues Association’s Free Summer Concert Series is set to kick-off at 7 p.m. tonight on the East Park stage in downtown Norwich, featuring a local favorite once again ... the New Riders of the Purple Sage, back to perform for their fifth time since 2009.

“We’ve played in Norwich many times now, in three different locations,” said guitarist Michael Falzarano, referring to West Park, the Chenango County Fairgrounds and now East Park. “The folks that come out to the show are always very enthusiastic, friendly, and they really make us feel right at home.”

Falzarano said the band first formed in 1969 – more or less as a country rock band – and the group, to this day, maintains those roots, adding how important it is for the band to stay true to its legacy and history. Falzarano explained the band members stretch out more within the arrangements of their songs, thereby in his eyes he considers the band’s musical genre “Jamming Country Rock.”

“The New Riders of the Purple Sage draw a huge crowd,” said Chenango Blues Association President Eric Larsen. “People drive a great distance to come see them, and they’re one of the best national talents that come to our area.”